Why are you here?

[AngelusSax]

In this tumultuous time within our synod (ELCA), I ask this question to those of you here who are ELCA members: Why are you here? I don't mean on these forums, I mean in the ELCA. Why?

The reason I ask is that I would like us to focus on the positive things that draws us to the synod (assuming you're not one of the people about to leave, of course, then I guess you're not all that drawn).

For me, I greatly value the Lutheran teaching of baptism and Real Presence in Communion. I think "Grace Alone" is wonderful doctrine. So that draws me to Lutheranism as a whole, but of course, I also highly favor open communion and the allowance of women to be ordained as pastors and bishops (and whatever other offices get ordained).

Granted, I was raised in my current church, so it's not like I had to go searching. I did have to go away for a few years to an area without a Lutheran church, and found I was quite comfortable in the UMC there. The only thing I missed was the liturgy (they had their own liturgy, but it involved less singing). That congregation, at least, supported infant baptism and Real Presence in communion (though by Methodist doctrine they were forced to use grape juice instead of wine).

I've been back home for nearly a year now, and I am grateful to be in my home church again. Just something about the liturgy that ties it all together for me. Not to mention, of course, all the familiar faces I grew up with (plus new people who had joined since I last was able to attend regularly, which is exciting!).

So, let's focus on the positive. What draws you to be in the ELCA at this time in history?

 

[Jnwaco]

I was really big into political discussions for the last three years and I'm still an active member on a couple of other discussion sites. One discussion led me to dig into God's word deeper. 6 months, 1 bible, and about 15 other books later and the political discussions really lost their relevance compared to God's word, so I wanted to join a board where the discussions center around it.

 

[Willy]

The ELCA is my home. It always has been, if you include the predecessor church bodies. It was where I was raised. I received my college education and seminary education thru ELCA schools. I have served two ELCA congregations. It is such a good place. We are open to scientific study and psychological insights. Our commitment to good Biblical scholarship is high. We embrace what it means to live in the modern era. We have a strong commitment to justice. There are so many bright people here, so many compassionate folks. We have an outstanding presiding bishop. What more can I say?

 

[lux et lex]

It is so nice to finally see a positive thread on the ELCA. I left the church (and frankly Christianity) for seven years and am now back, although I have yet to find a church I really like since moving up to college. I hope to find one again at the next place I settle after leaving law school in the spring. I really have to agree with Willy with regard to his reasonings for liking the ELCA. That's why I like it too. It's inclusive and progressive. It really makes me sad to see all the hate spewed about it around here because it's a denomination that I really feels fits me and I feel home there.

 

[AngelusSax]

That's so nice to read from you all so far! I look forward to more responses from others. (Don't be shy, we don't bite, and we have cookies!!!)

 

[AngelusSax]

.....chirp.....chirp....

Come on people, post your positiveness!

 

[doulos_tou_kuriou]

While I have plenty of my critiques of the ELCA I am still here. For one, because I do believe that communal ethics and justice are important and should matter to the church more than it seemed when I was a member of the LCMS. I think the ELCA has a great ability to adapt and understands the different dynamics of contextual ministry as well.
I am also inclined towards open communion and the ecumenical movement (although I have had issues with the ways the ELCA has engaged that movement).
I've been what you might call "liberal LCMS" and "conservative ELCA" (although I am not sure if those terms are the best), and in truth I think it is easier to be a conservative member of the ELCA. And I believe I can have a greater impact on the church within this synod than when I was LCMS. Ironically, the ELCA has also made me more conservative in my theology than when I was LCMS contrary to the stereotypes of the church.
And while many have made the decision to leave following the decisions in August, I chose not to even though I was very much against what happened. I believe the Holy Spirit is still present and active in my church and that the church is not "lost". I also believe it is still committed to many great things. It remains in my prayer and I am still here.
I am committed to this church. She will have to kick me out to get me to leave.
Pax

 

[ricker]

.....chirp.....chirp....

Come on people, post your positiveness!

I like the ELCA for it's ecumenicalism. How it promotes working together with other denominations instead of being divisive. (Therefore I like open communion).

I like the emphasis on grace in disputable matters, such as allowing women's ordination.

I like the emphasis on treating the earth and it's people with love and care.

I like infant baptism, with it's implied teaching that we are all born sinners, and salvation is of God, not us.

I like the ELCA for holding on to some church traditions without being dogmatic about them.

There is probably more positives , but those come quickly to mind.

 

[Forscher]

I hope it's okay i say something ( i am not an ELCA member).

But, if i were in USA, i would be a member of ELCA because...........

it is the only Lutheran synode using the word "Evangelical" on its name.

Just like here in Germany


I don't like that the word "evangelical" has developed a whole other meaning in America. I hope you guys can bring some balance to it.

 

[AngelusSax]

I hope it's okay i say something ( i am not an ELCA member).

But, if i were in USA, i would be a member of ELCA because...........

it is the only Lutheran synode using the word "Evangelical" on its name.

Just like here in Germany


I don't like that the word "evangelical" has developed a whole other meaning in America. I hope you guys can bring some balance to it.

Indeed, it is perfectly fine to chime in. Any others who are not ELCA but would be if they could be, or are members of your country's counterpart, or whatever, are also welcome. I apologize if I made the thread sound too closed-off to others. Not my intent!

I would also like to bring balance to "Evangelical".

 

[seajoy]

But, if i were in USA, i would be a member of ELCA because...........

it is the only Lutheran synode using the word "Evangelical" on its name.

Just like here in Germany
.

I belong to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod here in America.
*running out fast before I'm shot*

 

[Tangible]

 

[AngelusSax]

No need to run! We have cookies! All dark-siders do!

 

[Forscher]

I belong to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod here in America.
*running out fast before I'm shot*

Oops, sorry I forgot that one.

But then I guess I will not be allowed to take communion there, so.......